Casey Council has welcomed State Government’s approval of a precinct that promises 600 homes and 6,800 jobs in Cranbourne East.
The approved Croskell (Employment) Precinct Structure Plan has opened up 317 hectares of land for development.
“This Plan will see increased local job opportunities and reduce the need for long commutes to get to work,” according to Casey mayor Stefan Koomen.
Casey has been advocating for approval of this project, but also is calling for further upgrades.
“We are also calling for a firm commitment this election year on the upgrade and extension of Thompsons Road from Berwick-Cranbourne Road right through to Koo-Wee-Rup Road,” Cr Koomen said.
If the extension was approved, up to 140,000 jobs could be unlocked in Cranbourne East, Clyde North and Officer South, he said.
Croskell PSP’s approval comes after major concerns over housing affordability in Cranbourne and surrounding suburbs.
The Casey Fields South, Devon Meadows and Clyde South PSPs are closely surrounding the area, some of which are awaiting approval.
As Casey is one of the fastest growing areas in Melbourne, calls for major infrastructure upgrades have continued to be a top priority for Casey Council.
The Croskell PSP is set to provide more than just employment. Recreational spaces will be built to accommodate for the expected population growth.
Attorney General and Minister for Planning, Sonya Kilkenny said the new precinct will help to bridge the balance between work and home for many in Victoria.
“This is all about making it easier for families to live close to what matters to them, including close to jobs.”
Planned spaces include:
• One sports reserve.
• Five local parks.
• Approximately 15 hectares of open space.
• New walking and bike tracks.
• Upgraded arterial roads and intersections, including the extension of Casey Fields Boulevard from Linsell Boulevard to Thompsons Road.
• New drainage reserves by Melbourne Water.
• Infrastructure Contributions Plan that details how developers will fund critical infrastructure.
With the State Government approving the PSP, it becomes part of the Casey Planning Scheme.
Council officers will be able to assess planning permit applications, manage developer contributions, and work with state agencies to see the PSP implemented over coming years, the council stated.
